Overture to the Cultural Season hosts a gala to start off the season.

The cultural season is in full swing, with operas, dances, plays and concerts to keep us busy, entertained and inspired.Local nonprofit Overture to the Cultural Season held a kick-off celebration on September 11 at the Hilton Riverside Hotel to welcome fans of the arts into the new season. The evening started with a patron party in the River Room, overlooking the Mississippi River, and after champagne and light bites for the guests, the Loyola Jazz band led a second-line of guests into the Napoleon ballroom for the gala dinner and dance. Linda Skidmore Forman, president of the organization, served as event chair, along with Margaret Mielke. Honorary chair was Donald Boomgaarden, dean of Loyola College of Music and Fine Arts; honorary patron party chair was Mary Ann Valentino.

Phillip Melancon and his band performed romantic jazz tunes while guests danced and bid on auction items, which included opera and ballet tickets, instruments, paintings and jewelry. Proceeds from the gala benefit young artists who depend on scholarships as they pursue their love for the arts.